Greek 203 | Intermediate GreekSyllabus |
Plato: Symposium
Vertical Divider
|
Plato is among the best stylists to write in any language at any time, and —as the saying goes— all of western philosophy is but as a footnote to the subtleties of his thought. We are lucky that a new(ish) textbook will make it possible for us to read a large part of his elegant, funny, and fascinating treatise, the Symposium. We thus here at the very beginning of our more advanced Greek studies will be reading one of the great works in the western literary tradition. That will allow us deeply interesting excursions into social context and intellectual history
|
Greek: Review
Vertical Divider
|
Much of our focus must, however, remain on mastering Greek. We will need to be sure that every student in the class has a solid foundation as we make the turn from elementary to intermediate. To that end, we will review, at first systematically, and later as needed, the elements of Greek morphology and syntax. By the end of the semester, you will be considerably more assured in your ability to read Greek, and ready for fully advanced work.
|
Day by Day
Vertical Divider
|
Early on, class time will be split between training in the mental gymnastics of keeping Greek morphology and syntax fresh in your mind, and training yourself to read Greek prose with comfort. As the semester progresses, we will be able to focus attention also to the fascinating social and intellectual questions raised by the dialogue.
Students are expected to come to every class; each student's daily contribution is an essential component of our learning and your grade. Of course you will be spending time outside of class preparing, but the day to day exercises and other training in the supportive environs of the classroom are essential. If you are finding the work easy, that's great, and that means you need to be in class to help your fellow students. The Duke Academic Integrity Policy of course applies in every particular: see http://trinity.duke.edu/academic-requirements?p=academic-integrity |
Assessment
Vertical Divider
|
In addition to the routine of reviewing grammar and reading the Greek, there will be brief written and/or oral assignments, and early on quizzes. Quizzes on the Greek readings will be designed to check understanding and to give you practice with the mode of testing. Forms quizzes will be there to check on your progress with review of forms and principal parts. There will be two one-hour examinations, and a comprehensive final exam. Examinations will test your ability to understand and analyze passages read and discussed in class, with emphasis on thorough control over the Greek.
|
Books
Vertical Divider
|
You will need two physical books. Bring these to every class.
|
Instructor
Vertical Divider
|
William A. Johnson, Professor and Chair, Classical Studies
Allen Building 229B, william.johnson@duke.edu Office hours MW 3:00-4:00, by chance, or by appointment - if my door is open, feel free to knock and come in |
The fresco painting above is from the Tomb of the Diver in Paestum (a Greek site south of Naples in Campania, Italy), showing men at a symposium, reclining and playing a game (kottabos). For images of the entire room for these extraordinary paintings, click here.